Things to do in Bristol

Bristol, nestled in the southwest of England, offers a myriad of activities to suit every taste. History enthusiasts can explore the impressive Bristol Cathedral, a symbol of the city's rich heritage, or wander through the historic ruins of Bristol Castle.

Art aficionados will delight in the city's vibrant cultural scene, with must-visit spots like the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery showcasing both contemporary and historic artwork. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the nearby Mendip Hills and Avon Gorge provide opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying breathtaking natural landscapes. Foodies will relish the eclectic culinary scene, from traditional English pubs serving hearty meals to quirky cafes offering locally sourced delicacies.

And no visit to Bristol would be complete without experiencing its renowned music scene; catch a live performance at iconic venues like the O2 Academy Bristol or the Colston Hall. Whether exploring its rich history, enjoying the great outdoors, indulging in culinary delights, or immersing oneself in its vibrant music culture, Bristol promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Fun Activities

Bristol Zoo is also a popular attraction, and if wandering around the enclosures is not enough you can arrange a more up close and personal ‘meet and greet’ with penguins, meerkats and giant tortoises!, As well as the Bristol Zoo you also have a great section of activities and days out all over Bristol, which include Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing, Bristol Airsoft and Absolutely Go Karting, plus much more.

Eating Out

If you want to grab something on the go, head to the Glass Arcade for internationally diverse food stalls, perfect to try a quick bite from every continent! The Warmley Waiting Room is a local favourite and definitely a photo opportunity too. The former train station waiting room has been lovingly preserved and now has a new life as a tea room, serving delicious cakes. It’s also on the Bristol to Bath cycle path so a great place to stop and refuel. Another quirky food location is Yurt Lush, which is an incongruous huge tent right in the financial district, serving brunches, lunches and Sunday roasts.

Culture Vulture

Modern art doesn’t get much more modern than graffiti, and what better way to get into street art than exploring the rumoured home of the mysterious Banksy? Bristol is famed for its street art and here are plenty of original Banksys to be found, as well as jaw-dropping multi-storey murals that will take your breath away. Of course, you can see them for free by just walking around with a Curious About tour, or you can learn a bit more about the artists by going on a guided walking tour. The gothic splendor of Bristol Cathedral is also a must-see for fans of elaborate architecture.

After Dark

A good recommendation for first-time visitors is to start with King Street, which has everything from traditional inns to microbreweries and even a jazz club. Be careful walking in heels on the cobbles though! There’s a great selection of clubs in Bristol too, like SWX, Przym, Be At One and the legendary ‘club on a boat’ Thekla. Many areas of the city centre in Bristol have been awarded Purple Flag status, so you can be sure of a safe and enjoyable night out.

Something a bit different…

Cat lovers will be in their element in the Bag of Nails pub in Bristol – it’s probably the only pub in the UK where you can sip a pint and enjoy the company of at least 15 cats (19 at the last count)! If you’re not a fan of felines, you might be more interested in hearing about legendary Pirate Blackbeard, who was born in Bristol way back in 1680, on a guided tour featuring smuggler’s caves and treasure chests.

We hope that you enjoyed reading our article about Things to do in Bristol. If you’ve planning a visit to this fabulous place, you’ll be spoilt for choice on how to spend your time. We’d love to hear from you if you’ve taken a trip to Bristol and found our tips helpful!